MUKILTEO, Wash., April 1, 2022 – Scott James has withdrawn his name from consideration to be appointed as the next Finance Director for the City of Mukilteo leaving the position in limbo.

“We missed an opportunity,” Mayor Joe Marine told the Lynnwood Times. “He is one of the best Financial Directors in the area. It would have been great to have him back.”

The announcement comes after a contentious city council meeting on March 21. A source told the Lynnwood Times that James had reservations accepting the appointment after his treatment by Councilmember Steve Schmalz during that March 21 city council meeting. It was also shared that because of the Council’s decision to delay the vote until April 4th, James couldn’t take the risk of being without a job.

Marine told the Lynnwood Times that he has instructed City Administrator Steve Powers to advertise the position and to seek an interim Finance Director.

James currently is the finance director for the City of Snohomish. He served as the Finance Director for the City of Mukilteo from March 2007 to March of 2014. During Mr. James’ time at the City of Mukilteo he was instrumental in establishing the Long-Range Financial Planning concept and oversaw Finance operations that received Government Finance Officer Association’s Awards and assisted the City through the process to obtain a Standard and Poor’s AAA Bond Rating.